A man described as “a popular and well-loved member of Seattle’s LGBTQ community and Capitol Hill” died Saturday night of an apparent drug overdose inside a Bellevue Ct E apartment. Scott Kalina, 34, will be remembered Sunday at a memorial performance at The Grill on Broadway:
The death of Scott Kalina this past weekend shocked Capitol Hill and Seattle’s LGBTQ community. To remember Scott and honor his memory, many of Scott’s friends and family members are planning memorials that will allow everyone to not only pay their respects to the man and his life, but to also raise awareness about the dangers of addiction in our community. The first announced memorial will be held this coming Sunday, July 29, 2012 at The Grill on Broadway during the weekly “Mimosas with Mama”.
According to Seattle Fire, crews responded to the apartment just after 10p Saturday night to a report that a 34-year-old man was not breathing and that people at the scene were attempting to give him CPR. Medics arrived and continued the resuscitation effort but the man was declared dead at the scene. SPD is investigating the death as a drug overdose. The King County Medical Examiner confirmed Kalina’s death and said toxicology reports won’t be complete for several weeks.
Kalina’s Facebook page is filled with tributes and heartfelt messages for the heavily tattooed 34-year-old. According to his biographic information, Kalina worked at downtown’s Von’s RoastHouse and was a Seattle native who graduated from SeaTac’s Tyee High School.
Brian Daniel Peters, who performs as Mama Tits and is organizing Sunday’s memorial benefit, says his friend was connected to many lives and made the world — and Capitol Hill — a better place.
“Scott was a magical man. People who met him once were affected by him. All he wanted to do was live life to the fullest. All he wanted people to do was live life to the fullest,” Peters said.
Peters said Kalina was a regular of the LGBTQ scene on Capitol Hill who used to go-go at R Place and could often be found at Re-Bar on Sunday nights.
Kalina, Peters said, was “a piece of the soul of Capitol Hill.”
With his death, Peters said there needs to be more awareness about addiction and getting involved when friends struggle. “We need to have the balls to call them out on it and have to have the balls to help them,” Peters said.
I did not know Scott, but my thoughts go to his friends and family.
The concern I have is the desire to “raise awareness about the dangers of addiction in our community.” through an event called “Mimosas with Mama”.
I had the same feeling Dan, I hope Scott’s passing can raise more than awareness and perhaps raise some action and accountability within the community!
I met Scott just recently and found him to be a guy who obviously cared deeply about people around him.
Having said that, I’ve heard enough to know that he had a long struggle with substances. Unfortunately, those struggles are all too common in our community, and people seem to be afraid to talk openly about those struggles or to seek and provide the support that is critical to recovery.
I was disheartened to see a facebook post complaining about people asking how it happened. I doubt that Scott would want the manner of his death hidden. He seemed like the type who would want others to learn from his struggle.
The sad thing is that the facebook post came from someone whose own struggles are legendary – but who instead of reaching out for help lashes out at anyone he perceives to be “talking about him”. Let’s face it, when your addiction sends you to jail, everyone is talking about you – not to be mean, I would hope, but out of concern if they are decent people.
Please, reach out for help – and be willing to open up to people. You may be touched at the help available if you ask. And if you know someone who struggles, be honest with them.
The preceding remark was in response to my comment—now censored—that Scott Kalina was apparently convicted of “bank fraud and aggravated identity theft”.
And to the Capitol Hill Seattle Blog: What was the point of posting this story and allowing comments if you censor anything that raises troubling issues?
Whoops…and now that remark was censored too!
Do we have to wait weeks for the reports? Anyone know what did him in? It’s always amusing reading a “they lived life to the fullest” quote when the person died from a drug overdose.
Amusing? I find your comment disgusting – I don’t like to be amused at anyone’s death or the pain of those left behind.
As for the wait, I’m sure it’s tough for you to wait for more “amusing” details, but, yes, complete toxicology can’t be done overnight. The process does, indeed, take weeks. Life is not a CSI episode. Try to find something else to be amused by in the meantime. I’m sure lots of people could speculate about the cause of death, but, by definition, nobody “knows” until these results come back.
Please troll eslewhere.
I’m not at all “amused.” But I find it kind of sad that “living life to the fullest” includes serious drug abuse/addiction.
This blog always censors comments. Especially if you contradict one of their favorite commentors such as Phil. Phil seems to have replaced Mike with Curls as getting preferential treatment.
I agree 200%. The quote from the story from Mama Tits that said, “We need to have the balls to call them out on it and have to have the balls to help them” is spot on.
Unfortunately, in our community, there seems to be a hesitation amongst a lot of people to speak out against drug use, for fear people will think you’re being “judgmental”. Well, maybe being “judgmental” sometimes isn’t such a bad thing. Naturally, someone has to make the decision to stop using drugs on their own. But the good kind of peer pressure can work wonders.
I didn’t know this poor boy either, but fhe seems to have been the sort that would want his unfortunate death to spark a change and enlightenment about the dangers inherent in recreational drug use. We’re not doing anyone any favors from our fear of telling our friends the inconvenient truths they don’t want to hear.
I knew Scott fairly well, and yet I had no idea he was struggling with a relapse. I feel horrible that I didn’t know, that I wasn’t able to help, that he didn’t feel like he could share this secret and seek support. This is very, very sad. He was a wonderful soul who’d had his struggles and come out the other side as a smiling, supportive and wonderful person. I just wish I had been around to listen.
Is this the same Scott Kalina that went to jail in 2008 for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft??
I don’t know if it is the same person — the ages do not match up and I don’t have a middle initial for this Scott Kalina. Thanks for posting your question without unneeded, inappropriate commentary. There are lots of things about Kalina’s life that are not reported in this post. I was reporting on his death and the effort by some to create events to remember him by . For those who continue to post about the fraud and want to make an issue of it, we’ll continue to remove inappropriate comments.
This is the incident involving a Scott Kalina in question: http://www.justice.gov/usao/waw/press/2008/jan/kalina.html
What are you talking about, jseattle? The ages absolutely do match up. Apparently, you are referring to my “inappropriate comments”. I don’t believe these comments were inappropriate and I would be happy to explain why over the phone, but I don’t believe you’re open-minded enough to listen to me.
you’d be surprised. Call me at 206-399-5959
…and just why do you want to defame the dead?
If he was an addict at one time, jee whiz, crime in his life. Did you know this nice very gay guy? Or is this all from your mom’s basement to stir thing up….
Too bad he is dead. Young man with problems and much, much promise. We all hoped he would win on the long term. He didn’t. Some would call it tragic … in fact most every body but you. Cold.
I thank jseattle for reminding everyone that this is a post reporting on the death of one our neighbors, not about what controversies what may/may not have been involved. It doesn’t matter if he died from addiction; he was still an integral part of this community, and we should be remembering him for the remarkable things that he did. We all struggle with something, so why pass judgment on someone who has passed? A-Chan, your comments are hurtful and unwelcome. If you’re looking for a place to cause problems and speak ill of the deceased, then you can probably go somewhere else to pitch your bullshit. Positive thoughts to the family and friends of this great man.
So I feel the controversy starts when the title “Weekend death at Capitol Hill apartment being investigated as overdose” is used. It automatically makes folks think another druggie did themselves in. Which is apparently not the intent of the author. A more proper title that would not have caused questions and controversy would have been “A well loved Capitol Hill resident passed away” or something to that affect (sorry, I am not that creative). If no negative postings were wanted, which will always happen, a more positive title should have been used without mentioning the possible cause of death. Also, it is probably not the most appropriate place to have a memorial centered around drinking for an addict or ex-addict. Anyways, my thoughts are with his family and close friends as it very difficult for anyone to lose a loved one no matter the situation. Also, I heard that he was either a porn star or that his roommate was a porn star. Is that true?
Seriously? Do none of you have anything better to do than comment on something that probably has nothing to do with you in the first place? If you were a friend of Scott’s why engage the idiots who want to besmirch or minimize the tragedy? The only power these people have is the power you give them by engaging them or deleting their posts.
Scott was not the first young man in our community to die this year and he likely won’t be the last. Get off your computers and do something to make this a better community. We are clearly not doing enough as gay men to protect our young. These events have the ability to be opportunities to reach out to people in need (whether they are “hot” or “not” and try to prevent further tragedies.
Unfortunately you all have chosen to balk at each other and sling irrelevant accusations. Grow up.
“Confused”, I find myself confused about WTF it has to do with anything if Scott or his roommate was/wasn’t a porn star? You just tossed in another extraneous fact while bemoaning that people might be throwing shade about his death being an overdose. Some consistency, maybe?
@ jeff Just exactly who are you referring to that is lashing out at folks in their posts because of what they perceive folks are saying? How could /why would you say Scott was the type who would want folks to learn from his manner of death? Did you really know him personally to make such a statement? The bottom line is the man is dead and he’s not coming back to life… ever again. I personally am tired of reading about O.D.’s, suicides, and untreated drug use. There’s obviously something seriously wrong here in our society! Maybe becoming responsible for one’s own actions as an adult can sum it up? None of us are perfect and we are never guaranteed another day in our lives. Death will always a part of life but taking care of ourselves and encouraging others to do the same could maybe prevent more of this? Scott struggled as we all do. Paying respect to him costs nothing free except a little effort and says alot about one’s character.
Thank you Seriously.
My partner passed away in April of this year from a meth induced heart attack. It’s very true that we give people the power to belittle the tragedies in our lives. It’s sad that people have nothing better to do then troll the loss of others.
Since my partner’s passing I have tried to find a way to be more involved with our community here on the hill. I did know Scott and he was a great guy! He was one of the sweetest people you could ever meet. It doesn’t matter what he did in his past, it’s not even relevant to bring up what he’s done. Some times people make bad choices but that does not make them bad people.
I do miss Scott’s smiling face. Always so cheerful and radiant with happiness and light.
If anyone has any information as to being more involved in drug awareness and helping our community please let me know.
Whitney dies of an overdose and the party goes on downstairs at the Beverly Hilton. Scott dies of an overdose and there’s a booze benefit at the Broadway Grill.
Classy.
In 2008 Scott was not the only suffering addict who made bad choices and spent time in Federal Prison. I, myself, a long time friend of Scott made the same choices and went along e same paths. I grieve today to learn of his death and even more so that he had once again fallen victim to the disease of addiction. He was a beautiful person, and his spirit will live on forever in this community. I am so lucky that someone DID stop me and say, “hey, you need help”!!! That’s our responsibility to each other, as a community of friends nd family. I pray Scott’s passing will do more than make us grieve, he wanted so much to give to his precious LGBTQ community, this is a wake up call my friends. If you see a brother or sister in need, reach out and intervene. Do not be the one who waits, who knows whether your suffering friend will be there in the morning for n intervention.
As for those who chastise Scott for the choices he made in life, you do the same to me. He, like many of us paid our debts to society and came back full of life, giving of ourselves to our community, families and friends. Today is a sad day, but let us not forget how important and fragile life is, not even for a second.
We will love you always Scott.
Wow, this site really does censor comments. My comments were relevant to the issue of addiction, and not mean spirited to anyone at all and they’re gone. I would not call this good journalism. A blog, yes; journalism: no.
Wrong. it’s called moderation. You’re welcome to go and say what you want elsewhere. We value our commenters and the community highly. We value comments that add to the conversation. We also value comments that are sensitive to the topic at hand. CHS is easy to contact — if you have information we should know about, you can email [email protected] or call/txt (206) 399-5959. No need for games — especially on a post like this.
There will be a 5 dollar cover to celebrate his life at the Social featuring Trenton Ducati and Tate Ryder. Come drink up and watch adult film stars to raise awareness to the serious issues of addiction (except alcoholics and sex addicts) in the gay community.
I was referring to your partner in my post. I knew him and Scott both. Both victims of an insidious disease. This blog is an insidious disease on our community. Much like the SGN.
No. It’s called censorship. And this blog is the laughing stock of Capitol Hill. In the same company as George and his disaster the SGN.
Hello to everyone who has read or posted on this blog. A friend of mine told me about it, and I felt the need to say something. I am Scott’s cousin. Out of all of my family, Scott and his father were my closest. Since some people reading this, did not know Scott, I would like to give you an idea of who he was. He was an extremely hard worker, he had two jobs, and took pride in his work, and loved what he did. He also appreciated the small things in life, like a warm day before work. He was a sweetheart, and was always there for you. Whether it was giving you a hug when you were down, or saying something positive on a facebook post. Scott lived his life to the fullest, meaning, he woke up and appreciated every day. Whenever I saw him, he always had a smile, even when he was feeling down. If he had a problem, he wouldn’t mope around and complain. He would say how he was going to fix it. Life is full of pain… and Scott didn’t choose to suffer. I strive to live my life in the same way. He was and always will be my role model.
-S. Kalina L.